Car Insurance 101

Basic auto insurance coverage required in British Columbia

belairdirect does not provide the compulsory basic auto coverage required in British Columbia. You must obtain this coverage from the government mandated insurer, ICBC. Please refer to their materials carefully for details.

Optional Car Insurance coverage offered in British Columbia

Additional Car Insurance Coverages available in British Columbia

There are various additional coverages available in British Columbia from belairdirect. You may want to purchase these coverages at such time as you obtain your optional Excess Third Party Liability, Collision, and Comprehensive coverages through belairdirect.

Standard Car Insurance Coverage

Liability Coverage

Step one for getting car insurance is getting Liability coverage. This coverage will protect you if you're responsible for injuring someone or damaging someone else's property. For example, if you accidentally hit a light post with your car or you accidentally injure someone while you're driving.

Civil Liability Coverage

Step one for getting car insurance in Quebec is getting Civil Liability coverage. This coverage will protect you if you're responsible for injuring someone or damaging someone else's property. It may also cover damage to your car if you're in an accident for which you're not at-fault.

Accident Benefits

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to certain financial benefits that will assist you while you’re recovering. Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (or SABS) is the provincial regulation of benefits, standardized among insurance companies. Statutory Accident Benefits provide compensation, regardless of fault, if you, your passengers or pedestrians suffer injury in an automobile accident.

Effective June 1, 2016, the Ontario government has introduced changes to the auto insurance system to help make insurance premiums more affordable. These changes only apply to auto insurance policies issued or renewed on, or after, June 1, 2016.

To learn more about what belairdirect auto insurance coverages and benefits will be changing and how that will affect your policy, please take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions.

For general information about auto insurance in Ontario, more about these changes, definitions of different types of coverages and a glossary of insurance terms, please visit www.fsco.gov.on.ca or www.ibc.ca.

On June 1, 2016, if you’re buying a new policy or renewing an existing one, you should be aware of the following changes to your auto insurance:

Increase the combined non-catastrophic benefit to $1,000,000 and the combined catastrophic benefit total to $2,000,000.

Some important things to remember about these choices:

If you have previously purchased any of these optional benefits, please check your policy because it may have changed to reflect amounts in new options.

Medical, Rehabilitation and Attendant Care benefits for minor injuries are fixed at a maximum limit of $3,500.

If you purchase the additional Medical, Rehabilitation and Attendant Care benefit for both catastrophic injuries and all injuries, the total eligible benefit amount for a catastrophic impairment would be $3,000,000.

Uninsured Automobile Coverage

If you’re injured in an accident, your Uninsured Automobile Coverage protects you for two scenarios. The first is if you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance, and the second is if you can’t identify the vehicle; for example, if you’re a victim of a hit and run.

Direct Compensation – Property Damage

If you’re ever in an accident that’s not your fault, Direct Compensation Property Damage (DCPD) may cover the damage to your car and everything in it. Let’s say you get into a collision and it’s the other driver’s fault. Your car gets damaged so you make a claim to your insurer. It’s your insurer who pays for the damages. There’s no lawsuit between the drivers in this situation. If the other driver is only 50% at-fault, DCPD will only cover 50% of the damage to the car, the things in it, and the loss of use.

Accident Forgiveness

Protect your good driving record at belairdirect and keep your premium from going up as a direct result of your first at-fault accident. These are just two ways you’re covered with Accident Forgiveness coverage.

When you've got Accident Forgiveness, you can rest assured that your good driving record and your premium are protected for as long as you are with belairdirect. Your good driving record should be rewarded, and that's exactly what happens.

Here’s what Accident Forgiveness offers

Protection of your good driving record and your premium for as long as you're with belairdirect

We trust that you want to be a good driver and will do what it takes to be one. That’s why you’re forgiven for your first at-fault accident. By forgiven, we mean you won’t face an increase in your premium when it comes time for renewal because of your first at-fault accident.

Emergency roadside assistance

You get up to $50 reimbursed for roadside service as a result of your vehicle breaking down

Accident Forgiveness Coverage Conditions

Accident Forgiveness endorsement must be present on the policy

You need to be claims-free for the previous seven years before an at-fault accident occurs

Accident Forgiveness endorsement applies to the vehicle that corresponds with it and cannot be transferred onto any other vehicle on the policy

Accident Forgiveness only protects the principal driver of the vehicle listed on the policy.

If there's an at-fault loss while Accident Forgiveness endorsement is valid, you must maintain this coverage to remain eligible for the driving record

Accident Forgiveness does not apply if you are convicted of a criminal code offence or of a serious or major conviction

The accident-rating waiver provided by Accident Forgiveness is not binding on any other insurer that provides car insurance to the owner of the car or the driver who was found to be at fault for the accident

Accident Forgiveness coverage does not apply if there is violation of any Statutory Conditions or a policy condition within the context of the accident

Protect your good driving record at belairdirect and keep your insurance premium from going up as a direct result of your first two at-fault accidents.

Extended coverage means extended peace of mind. That’s what you get with Accident Forgiveness coverage.

We trust that you want to be a good driver and will do what it takes to be one. When you've got Accident Forgiveness, you can rest assured that your good driving record and your insurance premium are protected for as long as you are with belairdirect. That means, at renewal time, you won't face an increase in your car insurance premium as a result of up to two at-fault accidents*.

Accident Forgiveness Open Road

By adding Accident Forgiveness Open Road coverage, you not only protect your good driving record and keep your insurance premium from increasing because of your first two at-fault accidents, but you also get belairdirect’s roadside assistance service You’ll enjoy greater peace of mind behind the wheel! belairdirect’s new roadside assistance option gives you access to a number of services that you can depend on when the need arises (see above).

We want you to fully benefit from Accident Forgiveness. So please double-check the list of conditions below to make sure there’s nothing to stop you from receiving the full benefits of this coverage if you have up to two at-fault accidents.

We want you to fully benefit from the Accident Forgiveness. You will find below some conditions and eligibility criterias to make sure there’s nothing to stop you from receiving the full benefits of this coverage.

This endorsement protects your driving record from an increase of your premium resulting from one (1) or two (2) at-fault accidents within a 5-year period.

Accident Forgiveness endorsement applies to the vehicle that corresponds with it and cannot be transferred onto any other vehicle on the policy.

The Accident Forgiveness endorsement must be present on the car insurance policy at the time of the at-fault accident.

If there's an at-fault accident while the Accident Forgiveness endorsement is valid, you must maintain this coverage to remain eligible for the driving record protection.

Accident Forgiveness is attached to the principal driver of the vehicle listed on the policy.

You need to be at-fault accident free for the previous five years preceding the addition of this endorsement to your car insurance policy.

The vehicle must be used for personal use only.

The principal driver must hold a valid driver's license for at least 5 years.

The vehicle must be covered for at least $1 000 000 in civil liability.

belairdirect roadside assistance®

Sign up for belairdirect roadside assistance® service and enjoy greater peace of mind behind the wheel! Our roadside assistance option gives you access to a number of services that you can depend on when the need arises.

Autocomfort®

For a few extra dollars, you could gain more peace of mind. Autocomfort gives you a wide range of coverage options to expand your protection in case of an accident.

A few little extras can add up to peace of mind. For a few extra dollars, you can expand your protection to include:

Rental of temporary replacement vehicle following an insured loss

$60, 000 coverage for damages you may cause to a rented or borrowed vehicle anywhere in Canada and the U.S.

No deductible when you’re the victim of a hit and run

No deductible in the event of a total loss

Best of all, if you’ve got car and home insurance from belairdirect, you get Autocomfort at no additional cost. Please note: you’ll need to have both Collision and upset coverage and Comprehensive coverage to be eligible for our Autocomfort coverage.

Autocomfort® is a registered trademark of Belair Insurance Company Inc.

Collision and upset Insurance Coverage

If your car gets damaged because you've collided with something (like a light post, guardrail, or other car), the cost of repairs can really add up. Collision and upset Coverage could cover the cost of those repairs, so you don’t have to pay for those repairs out of your own pocket. You may only need to pay the deductible.

All perils other than collision or upset Insurance Coverage

Increased Liability Coverage

If you want to increase your Civil Liability coverage above the bare minimum necessary for driving in Quebec, consider increasing it to $2,000,000. This will give you added protection if you’re responsible for damaging someone else’s property.

Replacement Cost Coverage

Replacement Cost coverage is ideal if you've just bought a new car. If your car is stolen or damaged beyond repair, you'll get a new, identical car that reflects the original value of your car, not its depreciated value.

Collision Insurance Coverage*

If your car gets damaged because you've collided with something (like a light post, guardrail, or other car), the cost of repairs can really add up. Collision Coverage could cover the cost of those repairs, so you don't have to pay them out of your own pocket. You may only need to pay the deductible

*Certain conditions, limitations, and exclusions apply. Contact an agent for more details.

Uninsured MotoristAutomobile Coverage

Compensation if an insured person is injured or killed by an uninsured motorist or a hit-and-run driver, and for damage to the vehicle and its contents caused by the owner or driver of an uninsured automobile.

Limits required by lawMinimum coverage required by law:Included in the standard policy.

Accident Forgiveness*

Protect your good driving record at belairdirect and keep your premium from going up as a direct result of your first two at-fault accidents.
When you've got Accident Forgiveness, you can rest assured that your good driving record and your premium are protected for as long as you are with belairdirect. Your
good driving record should be rewarded, and that's exactly what happens.

In order to benefit from this protection, the Accident Rating Waiver Endorsement must be present on the policy before an at-fault accident occurs.

The addition of any driver who drops your driving record below DR7 will invalidate your eligibility for the Accident Forgiveness Endorsement.

The Accident Rating Waiver Endorsement must be purchased every year, as coverage is valid for one term only. Should there be an at-fault loss while the Accident Rating Waiver Endorsement is in-force; the endorsement must be renewed each year to remain eligible for the driving record protection.

The Accident Rating Waiver Endorsement does not apply if you are convicted of a criminal code offence, serious or major conviction. The presence of any major conviction will invalidate eligibility for the Accident Rating Waiver Endorsement.

The accident rating waiver provided by this endorsement is not binding on any other insurer that provides automobile insurance to the owner of the automobile or the driver who was determined to be at fault for the accident.

The Accident Rating Waiver Endorsement does not apply if there has been a violation of any Statutory Conditions or a policy condition in relation to the accident.

Optional Coverage Limits

You can choose a higher deductible to help lower your premium or a lower deductible.

*Accident Forgiveness is available through Driving Record Protector.

*Accident Forgiveness is available through Responsible Driver GuaranteeDriving Record Protector

Excess Third Party Liability

Protects against claims for damage to property or injury caused in a car accident, including court defense and investigation fees and legal fees assessed against you by the courts.

Collision or Upset

Coverage against damage to the insured car when the insured person is partially or completely at fault, including collisions with other cars or objects, single-vehicle accidents and rollovers. Also, coverage when the insured vehicle is damaged by a hit-and-run driver or an uninsured driver.

Optional Coverage Limits

Limits required by law

You can choose a higher deductible to help lower your premium or a lower deductible.

Comprehensive

Deductibles

The deductible is a specific sum deducted from a loss that you need to assume. This is figured out when you purchase your coverage. With belairdirect, deductibles apply to Collision and Comprehensive claims. There are no deductibles for liability claims. You may select your own deductible for you Collision and Comprehensive coverage. Generally, selecting a higher deductible could help to lower your premium. belairdirect continues to offer low deductibles, with Collision deductibles starting at $300 CAD, and Comprehensive deductibles as low as $200 CAD.

Autocomfort®

Autocomfort. It includes Loss of Use coverage ($), Travel Protection coverage, and Rental Automobile coverage. In order to add Autocomfort coverage to your policy, you must have coverage for Collision or Upset and Comprehensive.

Loss of Use

This coverage provides you with access to temporary transportation when your automobile is damaged, stolen or otherwise unavailable to you due to an insured loss. If your vehicle is stolen or rendered inoperable by loss or damage caused by a covered Collision or Comprehensive loss, we pay reasonable expenses incurred by you for the rental of a similar substitute vehicle or for public transportation subject to the limits of the policy. Coverage comes into effect from the time of loss or damage. If your automobile is stolen, this coverage comes into effect when the theft is reported to belairdirect.

The coverage ends on the date:

your automobile is repaired or replaced,

we offer you a payment to settle the claim, or

your total limit is reached, whichever happens first.

There are two options available: Depending on the level of coverage you have chosen, belairdirect pays up to a maximum $750 CAD or $1000 CAD per occurrence.

Note: Selecting a higher limit (where available) will help extend the available length of your rental. Drivers of Trucks/Vans/SUVs should be aware that the rental rates for these types of vehicles are significantly higher than a typical passenger vehicle; therefore you may want to select a higher limit.

Rental Automobile

This coverage provides insurance coverage for you when you rent an automobile for use in Canada or the United States. Rental Automobile coverage allows you to rent a vehicle when you are on vacation or a business trip without having to buy physical damage insurance from the rental agency. There is a limit of $75,000 CAD on the rental vehicle.

In addition, we provide Loss of Use coverage on the rental vehicle up to $50 CAD a day up to $500 CAD per occurrence.

Travel Protection

This coverage pays for unexpected expenses due to an accident or theft of your automobile while on a trip away from home.

If you are on a trip away from home with the automobile described on your Summary and it is stolen or rendered inoperable by a loss or damage of the type covered under your insurance through belairdirect, we reimburse you for the following reasonable expenses that arise up to specified limits for the following:

Extended Sound or Communication Equipment

This option covers permanently attached and shuttle-mounted sound and electronic communication equipment installed in the vehicle that was not supplied or available from the vehicle manufacturer. This coverage is ideal for clients who have permanently installed aftermarket sound or communication equipment with a total value in excess of the $1000 CAD aggregate amount covered through belairdirect. To be eligible for this coverage you must carry Comprehensive coverage and the vehicle must be equipped with a belairdirect approved security device. Receipts for the equipment are required to purchase this coverage. Please note that coverage for radar detectors is not available.

Excess Underinsured Motorist Protection (UMP)

Underinsured Motorist Protection covers you and the members of your household in the event of an accident where the at-fault motorist carries a limit on his or her liability coverage that is lower than the amount of damages to which you or the member of your household is entitled. Underinsured motorist protection of $1M is a component of the government mandated coverage.

belairdirect offers Excess Underinsured Motorist coverage which provides up to $4M of additional coverage in the event you or a member of your household is injured or killed by an underinsured motorist. This coverage applies only as excess to valid Underinsured Motorist Protection under your government mandated coverage. The amount paid for any one occurrence, regardless of the number of Insured Persons injured or killed in an accident, shall not exceed the limit stated in your Summary.

Limited Windshield Coverage

By limiting the windshield and window coverage otherwise available to you, your Comprehensive premiums will be reduced. Note that if you choose this option, you will not be covered for certain types of damage, such as damage caused by flying or falling objects that may hit your windshield or windows.

belairdirect roadside assistance®

Sign up for belairdirect roadside assistance® service and enjoy greater peace of mind behind the wheel! belairdirect’s new roadside assistance option gives you access to a number of services that you can depend on when the need arises.

Optional Coverage Limits

Specified Perils

Coverage for damage caused by perils listed in the policy, including fire, theft, hail and others.

Optional Coverage Limits

You can choose a higher deductible to help lower your premium or a lower deductible.

This is an overview of some of the benefits for which you may be eligible for and is for informational purposes only. Some conditions and restrictions may apply. Please refer to your auto insurance policy, contact us for full details of the coverage.

*Savings percentage requires the Claims-Free benefit and enrolment in the automerit® program, based on filed and approved discounts and rates and may vary based on each person’s individual insurance profile.

*Savings percentage requires the Claims-Free benefit and enrolment in the automerit® program, based on filed and approved discounts and rates and may vary based on each person’s individual insurance profile.

*Savings percentage requires the Claims-Free benefit and enrolment in the automerit® program, based on filed and approved discounts and rates and may vary based on each person’s individual insurance profile.

*Savings percentage requires the Claims-Free benefit and enrolment in the automerit® program, based on filed and approved discounts and rates and may vary based on each person’s individual insurance profile.